Coating apparatus and method



May 24, 1966 J, L, MORGAN ET AL 3,252,847

COATING APPARATUS AND METHOD 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 23, 1961 May 24, 1966 J. L. MORGAN ET AL 3,252,847

COATING APPARATUS AND METHOD 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 23, 1961 lf/ff United States Patent C) 3,252,847 COATING APPARATUS AND METHOD John L. Morgan, Haddonfield, NJ., and Raymond T. Billings, Apartment 9C, 260 S. Broadway, Yonkers, N.Y., said ,Morgan assignor to said Billings Filed May 23, 1961. Ser. No. 112,065 14 Claims. (Cl. 156-233) This invention relates generally to a highly improved method and apparatus for coating.

While the method and apparatus of the instant invention have been primarily developed and employed for use in the gilding or coating with gold of the edges of books, and will be illustrated and described hereinafter with particular reference thereto, it is appreciated that the advantageous features of the disclosed invention are capable of many varied applications, all' of which are 'intended to be comprehended herein. v

While there have been proposed automatic or semiautomatic means for gilding book edges, such proposed Ameans haveproved unsatisfactory for many reasons, including the high cost of equipment, relatively low output, undue waste of gold, and others, so that rautomatic or semiautomatic means for gilding book edges have here- -tofore not found general acceptance in the trade, and the procedure remains largely one of handwerk, being quite slow and expensive.

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide an entirely unique method'and apparatus for coating articles, such as the gilding of book edges, which is capable of extremely high rates of production, superior quality of product, minimum use of gold or other coating material, all by the use of relatively inexpensive equipment.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus for coating articles which is simple in construction, durable and entirely reliable in use, land which can be economically.manufactured, installed and maintained.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will beindicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a top plan view showing apparatus of the present invention, and illustrating an alternate position thereof in dot-and-dash outline;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional elevational view taken substantially along the line 2 2 of FIGURE l; FIGURE 3 is a partial sectional elevational View taken substantially .along the line 3 3 -of FIGURE l, but illustra-ting the apparatus in an intermediate position of travel in one direction;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIGURE 3, but illustrating the apparatus in an intermediate position of travel in theopposite direction;

FIGURE 5 is a transverse sectional eleva-tional View taken substantially along the line 5-5 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing parts illustrated in FIGURE 5, but in greater detail;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional elevational view taken substantially along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 3; and

-FIGURE 8 is a sectional'elevational view taken substantially along lthe line 8 8 of FIGURE 3.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and

specifically to FIGURES 1 and 2 thereof, the appara- "ice tus illustrated therein includes a generally horizontal, elongate table or upwardly facing bed 10 having a plurality of depending supports or legs 11. Superposed on -the bed or table 18, arranged longitudinally thereof, and mounted on the bed or table for longitudinal reciprocatory movement is a carriage, generally designated 12.

The carriage 12 is of a generally horizontal, open, rectangular frame construction, including a pairof elongate parallel sidepieces 15 and 16 which are connected together at one end by a horizontal crossbar.17,and at longitudinally spaced locations by a plurality of additional cross members or rods 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. The sidepieces 15 and 16 may be of any suitable construction, being shown as of angle stock, as best seen in FIGURE 5. The cross rods 18-23 may be considered as pairs, the pair 18 and 19 being located adjacent to the end cross member or bar 17, the input end of the apparatus or rightward end as seen in FIGURES l and 2. Just leftward of the cross-rod pair 18 and 19 is located the longitudinally spaced cross-rod pair 20 and 21, at a medial or intermediate region of the carriage 12, while the remainling cross-rod pair 22 and 23 is located adjacent to the leftward or discharge end of the carriage. The cross members 17-23 may all be rigidly secured to the sidepieces 15 and 16 to provide -a rigid carriage 12. The carriage 12 is illustrated in solid lines in FIGURES l and 2 as in its rightward, receiving or clamping position and is longitudinally shiftable leftward, as shown in phantom, to a releasing or discharging position. Any suitable means may be provided to mount the carriage for its reciprocatory movement, the table or bed 10 being shown as having longitudinal grooves or track Vformations 25 and 26, see FIGURE 5, slidably receiving the lower edges of the sidepieces 15 and 16, by way of illustration.

Interposed between each pair of cross members or rods 18 and 19, 20 and 21, and 22 and 23 is a clamping mechanism, respectively designated 28, 29 and 30. The clamping mechanism 28 includes a bar 32 extending longitudinally between the rods 18 and 19 and having its opposite ends mounted on the respective rods, 'as by slidable reception thereof, for lateral adjustment toward and away from the sidepieces 16. Setscrews 33, or other suitable means may be employed to fix the bar 32 at any desired position of its lateral adjustment. In practice, the bar 32 is adjustably positioned as required, in spaced relation between the sidepieces 15 and 16. An additional longitudinally extending bar 34 is interposed between the bar 32 is adjustably positioned, as required, in spaced slidably mounted on the cross members 18 and 19 for movement toward and away from the bar 32. A clamping part or pad 35 is carried by the slidable bar 34 on one side thereof Iadjacent to the adjustably fixed bar 32; and, a complementary clamping part, generally designated 36 is carried by the bar 32 in facing relation with the part 35. J ust leftward of the clamping parts 35 and 36, beneath the cross members 19 and 20 in :the solid-line position of FIGURES 1 and 2, the table or bed 10 is formed with a through opening or hole 38. A flat, surface plate 39 rests on -and is firmly secured tothe bed 10 in the region extending rightward from the hole 38 beneath the clamping mechanism 28. Thus, upon longitudinal shifting movement of `the carriage 12 to the phantom position, the clamping mechanism 28 moves from its solid-line, receiving clamping position over the plate 39, across the opening or hole 38 to a position over the surface region 40 of the bed. By reason of the thickness of plate 39, the bed surface region 40 is slightly lower than the upper surface o-f the plate, say on the order of one-eighth inch.

The clamping mechanism 29 is Isimilar to the clamping mechanism 28 and is located between and carried by the pair of cross members 20 and 21. In particular, the

clamping mechanism 29 includes a bar 42 extending longitudinally between the cross members 20 and 21, having its opposite ends slidable thereon and adjustably fixed relative thereto, as by fasteners 43. In practice, the bar 42 is adjustably positioned proxima-te to the sidepiece 16. An additional bar 44 extends longitudinally between and has its opposite ends slidably mounted on the cross members 20 and 21, being located in spaced relation intermediate the adjustably fixed bar `42 and the remo-te sidepiece 15.' A clamping part or pad 45 is carried by the movable bar 44 for movement therewith, on one side thereof facing ltoward the adjustably fixed bar 42. A complementary clamping part 46 is carried by the bar 42 on one side ofthe latter and in facing relation with the part 45. Thus, it will be appreciated that the clamping mechanism 29 is spaced longitudinally leftward of the clamping mechanism 28, and oifsetfrom the latter laterally of the direction of carriage movement.

Formed in the table or bed 10, just leftward of the clamping a-ssembly 29, in the illustrated solid-line position of 'FIGURES 1 and 2, is a through opening or hole 48. A at surface plate 49 is fxedly lsuperposed on the upper surface of the bed 4t), extending rightward from the opening `48 beneath the clamping mechanism 29; and, the latter clamping mechanism is movable leftward from its position over the plate 49 across the opening 48 to a4 release position over the bed surface region 50. The

between and having its opposite ends mounted on the cross members 22 and 23, respectively, being spaced between the sidepieces and 16 and adjustable laterally thereof. Suitable xed fastener means 53 may be provided to fix the bar 52 in its desired position of adjustment. A bar 54 is located between the bar 52 and sidepiece 15, extending longitudinally of the carriage 1'2 and having its opposite ends slidably mounted on respective cross members 22 and 23. Thus, the bar 54 is movable toward and away from the bar 52. Carried by the bar 54 for movement therewith is a clamping part or pad 55,

' located on one side of the latter 'bar facing toward the bar 52. vA complementary clamping part 56 is carried by the bar 52 on one side thereof facing toward the part 55. l

A through opening or hole 58 is formed in the bed 10 leftward of the clamping parts 55 and 56; and, a flat plate 59 is secured on the upper surface of the bed extending rightward from the hole 58 beneath the clamping mechanism 30. Upon leftward shifting movement of the carri-age 12, the clamping mechanism 3@ moves across the hole 58 to a position over a bed surface area 60, which surface area is at an elevation slightly below that of the plate 59, by virtue of the plate thickness.

The pad 45v is best seen in FIGURE 2, as being generally rectangular and having rounded lowercorners 62.

Further, the pad 45 is preferably vertically adjustable with respect to its carrying bar 44, as by securing fasteners 63 extending through vertically elongate slots 64 into the carrying bar. By vertical adjustment of the bar 45, its lower edge may be positioned quite close to the upper 4surface of plate 49, preferably just short of bearing engagement with the latter, leaving about one-sixteenthinch clearance. The movable carrying bar 44 preferably has. its lower edge appreciably spaced over the plate 49, for a purpose appearing presently. The lower edge of the relatively fixed bar 42 is also substantially spaced above the plate 49. The plates 35 and 55 may be of a construction identical to the plate 45.

In order to effect longitudinal movement of the carriage 12 along the tracks 25 and 26, there may be provided any suitable actuating means, such as a longitudinally extending pneumatic cylinder 66 carried outward of the right-hand end of bed 10, as by a bracket 67 and brace 68, and having a plunger 69 connected to the crossbar 17. In addition, a plurality of actua-tors for the several clamping mechanisms 28, 29 and 30 may take the form of pneumatic cylinders 71, 72 and 73, respectively. Each of the cylinders 71, 72 and 73 may be fixed to the carriage sidepiece 15, extending laterally outward therefrom, adjacent to its respective clamping mechanism;

and, the cylinders may be provided, respectively, with pl-ungers or piston rods 74, 75 and 76 connected to the movable bars 34, 44 and 54. Thus, the pads 35, 45 and 55 are power-actuable for movement toward and away from the respective clamping parts 36, 46 and 56.

The clamping part 46 is best seen in FIGURES 3-6, and as seen in FIGURE 6 includes a mounting block or pad 79 xedly secured to the relatively fixed bar 42, as by fasteners 80. The pad or block 79 is secured on the side of bar 42 adjacent to bar 44. A generally vertically disposed covering plate 81 covers the block 79 on its side adjacent to the pad 45, and may include an upper-edge flange 82 overlying the upper surface of block 79. The covering plate 81 has its lower edge 83 depending below the lower edges of block 79 and bar 42; and is mounted for limited free vertical shifting movement on the block. That is, by any suitable means, such as vertical slots 84 in the plate 81 receiving fasteners 85 extending into the block 79, the plate 81 is mounted for limited, free vertical shifting movement. The heads of fasteners 85 are flush with or recessed into the plate 81.

Extending from the rightward end of block 79, as seen in FIGURES 3 and 4 (the leftward end as seen in FIG- URE l), is a rigid arm 87 which projects horizontally toward the movable bar 44 slightly ahead of the pad 45. The arm 87 may be 'spaced appreciably above the lower edge of block 79. As the clamping part 46 may be substantially identical to the clamping part 36 and the clamping part 56, the above-detailed description of clamping part 46 will suice.

Spaced below the underside of table or bed 10 is a generally horizontal subtable 90, see FIGURES 2, 3 and 4. The subtable 90 may be supported by the legs 11 and ladditional support elements, such as at v91, 92 and 93, each depending from Ithe bed 10 to the subtable 90. It will be noted, see FIGURE 2, that the depending support elements 91, 92 and 93 are respectively adjacent to and just rightward of the holes `38, 48 and 58. A lever 9S is pivoted intermediate its ends, as by a pivot 96 to the support element 91 at a location spaced between the bed 10 and subtable 90. The lever 96 extends obliquely upward and leftward as seen in FIGURE 2', having provided on its lower end an eccentric cam 97 for abutting engagement with the subtable 90. That is, the eccentric cam is adjustably pivoted, as at 9S, to any selected position of angular rotation for its abutting engagement with the subtable 90. The upper end of the lever extends toward the hole 38 and carries a freely rotatable roll or roller 99 which has its uppermost portion projecting up- Ward through and beyond the bed 10. The adjustment of `eccentric cam 97 limits the projection of the roll 99 through the hole 38 and upward beyond the bed 10 by engagement of the lcana with the subtable 90 tok limit clockwise rotation of the lever 95. Spring means 100 is connected between the lower region of lever 95 and the fixed support element 91 to urge the lever clockwise, as seen in FIGURE 2.

The roll 99 and its associated journal are preferably hollow and receive a heating element 101, which may have electrical connection, as at 102 to suitable operating means 103, such as a variable rheostat. Rightward of the lever 95, as seen in FIGURE 2, and in substantial alignment with the roll 99 longitudinally of thev apparatus, there may be provided on the subtable 90' an upstanding pedestal journal 105. A supply roll or coil 106 of exible carnier sheet material may be journaled on the pedestal 105, the carrier sheet, strip or ribbon 107 extending from its supply roll 106 leftward and being trained over the roll 99 and thence downward. Receiving the carrier sheet or strip 107 from the roll 109 is a withdrawal or takeupmechanism 109. The take-up mechanism 10.9 may include a pair of rolls 110 and 111, between which the carrier sheet 107 depends. At least one of the withdrawal rolls 110, 111 is powered, and the withdrawal rolls are spaced apart so asto apply a frictional force to the inter-mediate carrier sheet insufficient to draw the latter over the rol199 and unwind the 4roll 106. However, the withdrawal rolls 110 and 111, by -their slight engagement with the carrier sheet or strip 107 serve to maintain the latter smoothly distended over the roll 99.

A similar mechanism is interposed between the bed r1() and subtable 90 in association with the hole or opening 48. A lever 115 is pivoted intermediate its ends, as by a horizontal pivot 116 to the support element 92 at a locati-on spaced vertically between the bed and subtable 90, the lever extending obliquely upward and leftward toward the hole 48. An adjustable, eccentric abutment cam 117 is fixedly adjustably carried by the lower end of lever 115 for limiting engagement with the subtable 90. The cam 117 is adapted to be adjustably fixed in any desired position of angular rotation about the pivot 118. On the upper end of the lever 115 is carried a roll 119, which is rotatable about a generally horizontal, laterally extending axis and has its upper region projecting upward through the hole 48 and beyond the upper surface of the bed 10 and adjacent plate 49. Suitable resilient means or springs 120 may be connected between the lower region of lever 115 and the fixed support element 92 tol urge the lever clockwise, to its limiting position with the cam y117 engaging the subtable 90.' The roll 119 is also preferably freely rotatably supported -on a hollow j-ournal in which is received a heating element 121, which may be energized through an electric line 122 from a control actuator 123.

Rightward of the lever 115 and in substantial alignment with the roll 119 longitudinally of carriage movement is an upstauding pedestal journal 125, which carries a supply r-oll -or coil 126 of carrier sheet material 127. The sheet or strip 127 extends from the coil 126 leftward over the roll 119 and depends therefrom through a wthdrawal mechanism 129. The withdrawal mechanism 129 includes a pair of rolls 130 and 131 arranged to engage the carrier sheet or strip 127 in a mannerjust sufficient to smoothly distend the latter, but insufiicient to draw the carrier sheet over the roll 119 and unwind'the coil 126.

Located adjacent to and associated with the left-wardmost opening 58 in the bed 10 is another substantially identical mechanism including a lever 135 pivoted intermediate its ends by a pin 136 connected to the support element 93. An eccentric cam 137 is carried by the lower end of the lever 135 for rotative adjustment about a pivot 138; on the upper end of lever 135 is journaled a roll 139 which'has its upper region projecting upward through the hole -58 beyond the upper surface of adjacent plate 59.

Suitable resilient means 140 resiliently urge the lever clockwise to its limiting position.

The roll 139-is freely rotatable and may receive a heating element 141 energized through an electric line 142 which may be actuated by a control 143. A pedestal-type journal 145 upstands from'the subtable 90 rightward of the roll 139 .and in substantial alignment therewith longitudinally of the apparatus, for rotatably supporting a supply reel or coil 146 of carrier sheet material 147. The carrier sheet or strip 147 is trained over the roll 149 and depends therefrom through a withdrawal mechanism 149 including a pair of rollers i150 and 151 arranged to exert a -force on the carrier sheet just sufficient to smoothly distend the latter and insufficient to unwind the coil 146. The hereinbefore described mechanisms associated with each of the openings 38, 48 and 58, and located between the bed 10 and subtable 90 `may be substantially identical, and the mechanism associated with the opening 48 is shown in greater detail in FIGURES 3-8. It may there be seen that the resilient means 120 may include a pair of coil springs 155 and 156` arranged sothat one such S spring is distended before the other upon clock-wise rotation, as seen in FIGURE 3. This is intended to produce a substantially increasing resistance to rotation of the lever 115 upon clockwise rotation thereof, and may be accomplished by other suitable means, say a single, nonlinear spring.

In FIGURE 7 is shown in greater detail the freely rotatable roll 119 journaled on a hollow bushing 157 which is carried by the lever 158. The heater 121 is received in the bushing or journal 157 and transmits heat through the latter to the roll. The roll may be of a silicone-type rubber for heat resistance.

In operation, the carriage is initially positioned linits solid-line, rightward position of FIGURES 1 and 2. The plunger 74 of cylinder 71 is retracted to move the movable clamping pad 35 laterally away from the relatively clamping part 36. In this condition, the clamping means 28 is located over the plate 39; and, a book 160, see FIGURE 2, may be placed on one edge, resti-ng on the plate with its forward or leftward edge firmly against the bar 161. The .plunger 24 is then extended to move the pad 35 against the book 160 and firmly clamp the latter between the clamping parts 35 and 36. The cylinder 66 is next actuated to extend its plunger 69 and shift the carriage 12 leftward. `During this shifting movement, the book 160 is moved over the hole 38 to the bed area 40,

.being spaced slightly thereabove.

Upon leftward movement of the carriage 12, the book 160 contacts the roll 99, depressing the latter out of the path of movement of the book by swinging the lever counterclockwise against the a-ction of resilient means 100. The roll 99 is thus depressed and axially rotated by movement of the book with the carriage. The carrier sheet 107 may be of any suitable flexible material, such as Mylar, and releasably carrieson one face a film or coating of any desired material, such as gold. The releasably coated face of carrier sheet 107 is upward as the carrier sheet passes over the roll 99. Hence, the lower edge of book 160 frictionally engages the releasably coated upper surface of carrier sheet 107 to effect movement of the carrier sheet with .the book'at the tangential region of contact, and rotation or rolling of the roll 99 along the lower edge of the book. This feeds the carrier sheet 107 just sufficiently to apply a precisely accurate quantity of gold or other coating to the nether edge of the book 160. That is, by the rolling action of roll 99 as effected by leftward horizontal'movement of book 160, the carrier sheet 107 is unwound from its supply coil 106; and further, by the pressure of roll 99 toward the book and the application of heat through the roll to the carrier sheet, the coating of the carrier sheet is released' from the latter and applied t-o the book. In order to 4insure smooth and even application of coating tothe book edge, the carrier sheet is maintained smooth at all times by the slight frictional withdrawing action of the withdrawal rolls and 111. As noted hereinbefore, the withdrawal rolls 110 and 111 do not withdraw the carrier sheet 107 in the absence of a book moving tangentially of the roll 99, but during such book movement insure proper separation and release of the carrier sheet from its previously applied coating. If it is desired to permit a greater interval to elapse before separation of the carrier sheet from the applied coating by the withdrawal rolls 110, 111, this may be easily accomplished by passing the carrier sheet over an additional roll (not shown) spa-ced leftward of the roll 99, before passage through the withdrawal rolls 110 and 111. Such arrangement may be employed when greater cooling time is desired before stripping of the carrier sheet from its coating.

It is important to remember that the uppermost surface of Vroll 99 normally projects upward beyond the upper surface of plate 39, except when the roll is depressed by a book. This relationship insures that gold or other desired coating may be applied to the rounded corners found in many books. That is, the roll 99 and its overlying carrier sheet 107 are engageable with and depresesd by rolling along a major portion of a lrounded corner of a book, so as to insure the application of coating to the major portion of the book corner.

After the book has moved entirely across the opening 38 andv over the roll 99, it `reaches a position in spaced relation overthe vbed area 40. This spaced relation prevents possible damage to the freshly coated underedge of the lbook by engagement with the bed. The plunger 74 may then be retracted to move the pad 35 away from the clamping part 36 and Irelease the book 160. In the retracted condition of the plunger 74, it should be noted that the pad 35 is laterally4 offset or outward of the roll 99 for rightward return movement of the carriage 12 without the pad engaging the roll.' However, the part 36 is relatively xed in the lateral direction, so as to return rightward over the roll 99. This is made possible by the free upward shifting movement of cover plate 162, corresponding to cover plate 81 of clamping part 46, upon engagement with the roll 99.

With the carriage returned rightward to its solid-line position of FIGURES l and 2, the book is rotated ninety degrees from its original position in clamping means 28 and placed on edge in clamping means 46 resting on plate 49. A book in this condition is shown at 16651 in FIGURE 2. The book 160a has its leftward edge abutting against the arm 87, and the plunger 75 of cylinder 72 is extended to rmly clam-p the book between the `clamping part 46 and pad 45. An additional book may be clamped in the clamping mechanism 28 in the manner described he-reinbefore.

The carriage is then moved leftward by actuation of the cylinder 66 so that the -book 160:1 depresses and r-otates the roll 119 to apply the coating of carrier sheet 127 to the nether edge of the book. As noted in connection with the clamping means 28, the leftward lower corner of a book depresses and rolls the roll 119 so that coating is applied to a major portion of the book corner. As best `seen in FIGURE 3, the spring means 155 and 156 may ,be of a nature wherein one spring extends prior to the other, say only one spring extending upon initial engagement of a book corner with the roll 119, and the other extending slightly later to exert greater pressure on the flat underedge of the book than on the more delicate corner region. Of course, other resilient means may be ernployed to achieve this type of varying spring pressure.

In FIGURE 3 is illustrated the condition of clamping part 46 when in clamping engagement with a book and the latter is moving over the bed opening 48. In this condition, the lower edge of cover plate 81 may almost meet or be just slightly spaced above the upper surface of bed plate 49. Similarly, the lower edge -of pad 45 may be spaced just slightly over the upper surface `of bed plate 49, as best seen in FIGURE 5. Thus, the book 16M has its lower region effectively clamped in close proximity to its lower edge, so that the lower book edge provides a smooth surface f-or uniform application of coating.

f Upon leftward movement of the carriage to locate the clamping means 29 over the bed area 50, the plunger 75 may be retracted for removal of the book 16th:, and the carriage returned rightward by actuation of the cylinder 66. Of course, the same operation as described hereinbefore in connection with clamping means 28 is taking place at the same time as the above-described operation of the clamping means 29. Further, the same operation takes place at the clamping means 30, a book 16b being held by the latter clamping means With its remaining, uncoated edge downward.

Thus, substantially simultaneously, three books may be loaded on the respective plates 39, 49 and 59, and clamped by the clamping means 28, 29 and 30 for leftward movement of the carriage 12 to locate the respective books in spaced relation over the unloading or releasing stations 40, 50 and 60, whereupon the clamping means are released and the books removed for rightward return of the @I carriage. Upon rightward return of the carriage 12, the operation of cover plate 81 of clamping part 46, and the corresponding cover plates of clamping parts 36 and 56, is best seen in FIGURE 4. It Will there be observed that the lever has sw-ung counterclockwise under the force of resilient means to its position as limited by stop cam 117 to project the roll 119 upward through the bed opening 48 and beyond the upper surface of bed plate 49. However, the cover plate 81 may freely move over the roll 119, being quite light in weight so as not to rotate the roll or disturb the carrier sheet 127, as by the floating mounting structure of slots 84 and fasteners 85. Upon rightward movement past the roll 119, the cover plate 81 falls to its lower limiting position with its lower edge just slightly over the upper surface -of .bed plate 49.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a method of coating and apparatus therefor which fully accomplish their intended objects and are welladapted to meet practical conditions Kof manufacture and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, lit is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is within the contemplation of the instant invention that additional parts thereof may be further automated, as by automatic loading of books and rotation of the books, that the pressure rolls 99, 119 and 139 may be positively lowered on the return stroke, and` similar modifications, without departing invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In the method of coating an article, the steps which comprise: moving an article along a predetermined path with one edge of the article extending generally along said path, yieldably interposing a rotatable resiliently surfaced heat conducting roll in said path for deection by said article -out of said path and into rolling engagement with said one edge of said article, interposing between said roll and article a exible carrier sheet having a heat releasable coating for application to said article, and applying heat to said carrier fed through said resiliently surfaced roll in the region of' following engagement.

2. In the method of coating the surface of a rigid article having rounded corners, the steps which comprise: moving an article with one surface thereof lying along a predetermined path, yieldably interposing a rotatable resiliently surfaced heat conducting roll across said path for deection by a lrounded corner of the article out of said path and into rolling engagement with said rounded corner and thereafter with said surface, interposing between said roll and article a iiexible carrier sheet having a heat releasable coating for application to said article corner and surface and then applying heat t-o said carrier sheet through said resiliently surfaced roll in the region of rolling engagement.

3. In the method of coatlng the surface of an article having rounded corners, the steps which comprise: eectfrom the instant `ing relative movement between an article to be coated and i ya roll of resilient heat conducting material urging said roll into yielding rolling engagement with a corner and adjacent surface of said article, interposing between said -roll and article a flexible carrier sheet having a heat releasable coating for application to said article corner and adjacent surface and heating said roll.

4. In the method of coating the edge of a book, the steps which comprise: applying a clamping force to the surface of a book to firm and stiffen the edgeof the book which is to be coated, pressing and rolling a resiliently surfaced heat-conducting roller along the edge of said book longitudinally thereof, feeding a lm having a heatreleasable coating for application to the book edge to the surface of said roller and thence to the book edge by the rolling action of said roller, the direction of said action being longitudinally of said book edge, and heating said roller..

5. The method according to claim 4, further characterized in rolling the roller at least partially about a corner of the book edge.-

6. Coating apparatus comprising a bed, a carriage movable along said bed, clamping means carried by said carriage to releasably clamp an article in said carriage for movement therewith between lan article-loading station and an article-unloading station, and a resiliently surfaced heat conducting pressure roll resiliently projecting upwardly through and beyond said bed between said loading and unloading stations for depressible rolling engagement with an article moving between said stations, whereby a carrier sheet having a heat releasable coating is adapted to be trained over said v-roll for applying said coating to said article, and heating means internally of said roll for applying heat through'said roll to said carrier sheet and coating.

7. Coating apparatus according to claim 6, said bed having a'loading-station surface offset from an unloadingstation surface, whereby an article to be coated is moved by said clamping means from a position at said loading station on said loading-station surface to a position at said unloading station spaced from said unloading-station surface, to prevent engagement with a freshly applied coating. 4

8. Coating apparatus comprising a bed, a carriage movable along said b ed, clamping means carried by said carriage to `releasably clamp an article in said carriage for movement therewith between an larticle-loading station and an article-unloading station, and a pressure roll projecting-upward through and beyond said bed between said loading and unloading stations lfor rolling engagement with an article moving between said stations, whereby a carrier sheet having a releasable coating is adapted to be trained over said roll for applying said coating to said article, said clamping means comprising a relatively fixed pad carried by said carriage for movement therewith in spaced relation over said roll, a cover plate covering one movement relative to said carriage between a clamping position toward said cover plate and a releasing position away from said cover plate and outward beyond said roll, whereby an article is adapted to be clamped between said cover plate and movable p ad, and said cover plate held firmly against said fixed pad for depending engagement of said article with said roll on carriage movement of said clamping means from the loading station to the unloading station, said movable pad being movable to its releasing position for releasing said article and by-passing said roll upon return of said carriage to its loading position.

9. Coating apparatus comprising a bed, a carriage movable along said bed, clamping means carried by said carriage to releasably clamp an article in said carriage for movement therewith between an article-loading station and an article-unloading station, and a pressure roll projecting upward through and beyond said bed between said loading and unloading stations for rolling engagement with an article moving between said stations, whereby a carrier sheet having a releasable coating lis adapted to be trained over said roll for applying said coating to said article, said clamping means comprising a relatively fixed pad fixedly carried by said carriage for movement therewith in spaced relation over said roll, a movable pad carried by said carriage for movement therewith n facing relation with said fixed pad and depending proximate to said bed, and means mounting said movable pad for movement with said carriage and movable relative to said carriage between a clamping l0 position toward said fixed pad and a releasing position away from said iixed pad and outward beyond said roll, whereby an article is adapted to be clamped between said iixed and movable pads, and said movable pad is adapted to be moved away from said fixed pad to release said article and by-pass said troll upon carriage movement.

10. Coating apparatus comprising a bed,` a carriage movable along said bed, clamping means carried by said carriage to releasably clamp an article in said carriage for movement therewith between an article-loading station and an article-unloading station, and a pressure roll resiliently projecting upwardly through and beyond said bed between said loading and unloading stations for depressible rolling engagement with an article moving between said stations, whereby a carrier sheet having a releasable coating is adapted to be trained over said roll for applying said coating to said article in combination with take-up means for drawing a carrier sheet away from an article after application `of said section, said take-up means applying a frictional force to a carrier sheet just sufiicient to maintain the latter smoothly distended without drawing said carrier sheet over said roll, whereby said'take-up means operates to draw said carrier sheet away from an article only during carrier-sheet movement over said roll by an article.

11. Coating apparatus comprising a bed, a carriage movable along said bed, clamping means carried by said carriage to releasably clamp an article lin said carriage for movement therewith between an article-loading station and an article-unloading station, and a pressure roll projecting upward through and beyond said bed between said loading and vuri-loading stations for rolling engagement with an article moving between said stations, whereby a carrier sheet having a releasable coating is adapted to be trained over said roll for applying said coating to said article, in combination with additional clamping means carried by said carriage at locations spaced longitudinally of carriage movement for movement of each of said additional c-lamping means between respective article-loading and -unloading stations, and an additional pressure roll projecting upward through and beyond said bed between each pair of loading and unloading stations of said additional clamping means, whereby an article in one position released at one unloading station is adapted to be clamped in another position in the next adjacent loading station for successive coating of different surfaces of the article.

12. Coating apparatus according to c-laim 11, said firstnamed and additional clamping means being alternately offset from each other laterally of the direction of carrier movement, whereby an unloading station of one clamping means is adapted to be located side by side with the loading station of the adjacent clamping means.

13. Coating apparatus comprising a bed, a carriage movable along said bed, clamping means carried by said carriage to releasably clamp an article to becoated in said carriage for movement therewith, and a pressure roll mounted for rolling engagement with an article during movement thereof with said carriage, said clamping means comprising a relatively fixed pad fixedly carried by said carriage for movement therewith in spaced relation over said roll, a movable pad carried by said carriage for movement therewith in facing relation with said fixed pad and depending proximate to said bed, and means mounting said movable pad for movement with lsaid icarriage and movable relative to said carriage between a clamping position toward said fixed pad and a releasing position away from said fixed pad and outward beyond said roll, whereby an article is adapted to be clamped between said fixed and movable pads, and said movable pad is adapted to be moved away from said fixed pad to release said article and by-pass said roll upon carriage movement.

14. In a coating apparatus for transferring a coating to an article from a carrier film from whichl the coating is heat-releasable, the combination comprising a rotatable roller having a resiliently yieldable heat-conducting ex- 1 1 terna1 surface for rolling-area engagement with an irregular surface of an article to be coated, roller-mounting means adapted to hold said roller in `rolling area engagement with said article, heating means internally of said roller for heating the surface thereof, and means for delivering such a lm in a path extended to the surface of said roller and in contact with the roller part way around the periphery thereof throughout an arc including said rolling larea of engagement.

References Cited hy the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 927,762 7/1909 Auen 156-542 l2,078,448 2,501,539 2,539,988 y2,618,580 l2,632,918 3,010,861 l3,054,715 3,138,695 10 3,161,560

Jost 156-542 Ruth 156-542 Calles et a1. 118-244 Lancaster 156-231` Bergstein 118-244 Reese 156-238 White 156-233 Bracich 219-244 Paquin et a1 161-250 EARL M. BERGERT, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN THE METHOD OF COATING AN ARTICLE, THE STEPS WHICH COMPRISE: MOVING AN ARTICLE ALONG A PREDETERMINED PATH WITH ONE EDGE OF THE ARTICLE EXTENDING GENERALLY ALONG SAID PATH, YIELDABLY INTERPOSING A ROTATABLE RESILIENTLY SURFACED HEAT CONDUCTING ROLL IN SAID PATH FOR DEFLECTION BY SAID ARTICLE OUT OF SAID PATH AND INTO ROLLING ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ONE EDGE OF SAID ARTICLE, INTERPOSING BETWEEN SAID ROLL AND ARTICLE A FLEXIBLE CARRIER SHEET HAVING A HEAT RELEASABLE COATING FOR APPLICATION TO SAID ARTICLE, AND APPLYING HEAT TO SAID CARRIER FED THROUGH SAID RESILIENTLY SURFACED ROLL IN THE REGION OF FOLLOWING ENGAGEMENT. 